Matthew Baigell papers, [ca. 1965-1985]

Baigell, Matthew, b. 1933
Art historian
Active in N.J.

Collection size:
0.2 linear ft. (partially microfilmed on 1 reel)

Collection Summary: Correspondence, writings and research material concerning Thomas Hart Benton and Baigell's other writings. Also included is a ca. 1965 interview with Hoyt Sherman conducted by Baigell.

REEL 2086: Letters, notes, and writings, some illustrated, ca. 1967-1972, from Thomas Hart Benton to Baigell for Baigell's writings and biography of Benton. Benton writes about synchronism, cubism, regionalism, social realism, John Weichsel, Stuart Davis, Stanton Macdonald-Wright, Reginald Marsh, and others, and his life. Inluded is a copy of Benton's 53-page handwritten manuscript, "The Thirties," describing his mural commissions and the controversies with the social realists over his regionalist style of painting. Also included are 2 letters from Louis Lozowick, and one each from William Gropper and Harry Gottlieb in response to Baigell's questions of social realism, regionalism, and art in the 1930's.

ADDITION: Letters, research notes, and writings on Thomas Hart Benton, as well as correspondence with Dorothy Dehner, Doris Lee, Louis Lozowick, Raphael Soyer and Ben Shahn, among others, relating to Baigell's book, "The American Scene: American Painting of the 1930s," (1974). Also included is an interview with colleague Hoyt Sherman conducted by Baigell, ca. 1965, in which Sherman discusses perception, Cézanne, and Shermans most famous pupil, Roy Lichtenstein, who always testified that he was profoundly influenced by Shermans methods and philosophy. Sherman analyzes Lichtensteins work and recalls the artist during his student days at Ohio State University, and discusses his possible impact on Lichtenstein.

How to Use this Collection

Microfilm reel 2086 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.

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